Top Scenic Drives in the Western United States (Pacific)

This trip starts in Winthrop and heads west on Highway 20 to Sedro Wooley. Leaving Winthrop, you'll immediately start gaining elevation into the high Cascade Range. You will pass through Washington Pass and Rainy Pass, and head on to the Ross Dam area just east of Diablo. You are now in the North Cascades National Park. Heading further west, you'll descend down to Marblemount and then on to Sedro Wooley. From there, you can continue on the Cascades Loop (counterclockwise direction) if you choose.

Scenic Drive Tips

The many lookouts and stopping points in the Diablo and Ross Dam area are a must! Take your time.

Submitted By

Alan Switzer

Photo Source

Scenic Washington State 365, Alan Switzer, National Parks Service, MNM

Important Note:

As indicated above, this scenic drive was submitted by an independent third party and has not been verified by Triple E Recreational Vehicles. Please do your own research on suitability, road conditions and road safety before attempting to drive this route.

This is a short and easy 25-mile drive following the Yakima River through a canyon flanked by high rolling hills and cliffs. In May, the hills are covered with yellow arrowleaf balsamroot wildflowers. Swans, ducks, and geese can often be seen in the river, and raptors soar over the canyon. Many BLM campgrounds line the banks of the river for rafting, fishing, and hiking. If you're tired of the interstate, Highway 821 through the Yakima River Canyon is a respite from the need for speed.

Scenic Drive Tips

The BLM campgrounds offer dry camping on level paved pads. Vault toilets are conveniently located. Camping is $15 or $7.50 with the senior National Parks pass. In Yakima, have breakfast at the Waffle Cafe (1510 N 1st Street), and visit the Washington Merci Train car at Sarg Hubbard Park (111 South 18th Street) for some obscure World War II history.

Submitted By

Carol Taylor

Photo Source

Bureau of Land Management

Important Note:

As indicated above, this scenic drive was submitted by an independent third party and has not been verified by Triple E Recreational Vehicles. Please do your own research on suitability, road conditions and road safety before attempting to drive this route.

If you like lazy, wandering drives along the coast, this scenic drive will suit you well. Expect fine ocean views, plus views of Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens in the distance.

Scenic Drive Tips

There are many places to stop and view the ocean closeup along this drive, including Willapa National Wildlife Refuge and Cape Disappointment State Park (a Lewis & Clark landmark area with a beautiful campground and ocean access). The town of Long Beach is a tourist spot with plenty of gift shops and eateries. There are many other campground choices along the way as well.

Submitted By

Carol Taylor

Photo Source

Wikipedia, Discovery Coast Real Estate, Coast Explorer Magazine

Important Note:

As indicated above, this scenic drive was submitted by an independent third party and has not been verified by Triple E Recreational Vehicles. Please do your own research on suitability, road conditions and road safety before attempting to drive this route.

Start in Enumclaw and head east on highway 410 (Chinook Scenic Byway) towards Mount Rainier National Park. This scenic drive will take you through the park, with great views of the mountain. Head all the way to Naches, and get fresh fruit from the Yakima Valley.

Scenic Drive Tips

It's worth it to travel this route going both directions, as the views are different! There are many National Forest campgrounds along this route. 

Submitted By

Tim Wickham

Photo Source

Tim Wickham, Visit Rainier

Important Note:

As indicated above, this scenic drive was submitted by an independent third party and has not been verified by Triple E Recreational Vehicles. Please do your own research on suitability, road conditions and road safety before attempting to drive this route.

Start at Troutdale and drive to Pendleton with Mount Hood ahead and the Colombia River alongside. The gorge has amazing vistas along the river, and you'll find breathtaking views at every turn.

Scenic Drive Tips

There is so much to do and see along this drive! Check out Multnomah Falls, Hood River, and The Dalles. Stop for kite sailing, windsurfing, or hiking. 

Submitted By

Lynn Dubay

Photo Source

Best of the Northwest, Bala Sivakumar

Important Note:

As indicated above, this scenic drive was submitted by an independent third party and has not been verified by Triple E Recreational Vehicles. Please do your own research on suitability, road conditions and road safety before attempting to drive this route.

Everyone drives the 101 through California, and it is spectacular. However, the 101 through Oregon is an incredible mixture of breathtaking beaches and pastoral countryside, with beautiful art deco bridges to add to the experience. 

Scenic Drive Tips

Check out Pistol River Beach, Bandon, and the Rogue River Jet Boat cruise from Gold Beach. Otter Point State Recreation Site, just north of Gold Beach, is remote and quiet – walk the beach to the south. Try Redfish Restaurant in Port Orford or Spinner's in Gold Beach. Be aware that there are not many places to stop for food or rest – definitely a good time to have your Leisure Travel Van!

Submitted By

Dana Hooper, Dale Thomas

Photo Source

Dana Hooper, Travel Oregon, Conde Nast Traveler

Important Note:

As indicated above, this scenic drive was submitted by an independent third party and has not been verified by Triple E Recreational Vehicles. Please do your own research on suitability, road conditions and road safety before attempting to drive this route.

This is an incredibly popular drive, and it's not hard to see why. The Pacific Coast Highway has stunning ocean views on one side and mountain views on the other, plus a mix of charming small towns, wineries, campgrounds, forests, major Californian cities, and much more to explore along the way. Choose a specific portion of the trip or go the whole distance, depending on the time you have or the points you want to see!

Scenic Drive Tips

There are places along this drive where roadside overnights are allowed. Start the drive from the north if you prefer to be closer to the Pacific Ocean for the view. Our LTV owners submitted many recommendations for sights and stops along the way, including: Mount Saint Helens, the Giant Redwood Forest/Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon, The General Grant tree, Elephant Seal Vista Point, Hearst Castle, Tillamook Cheese Factory, River Ridge Golf Course, Rio Seco Vineyard and Winery, and Francis Ford Coppola Winery.

Submitted By

Dave Dotzler, Ray Hemsher, Marilyn Jensen, Karen Sharpe, Mark Simons, Al Hrycyk, Steve Bedsole

Photo Source

Dave Dotzler, Valerie & Valise, Trip Savvy

Important Note:

As indicated above, this scenic drive was submitted by an independent third party and has not been verified by Triple E Recreational Vehicles. Please do your own research on suitability, road conditions and road safety before attempting to drive this route.

This trip starts in Lone Pine and takes Highway 136 to join up with Highway 190 before ultimately ending up in Death Valley. The section around Panamint Springs is particularly spectacular for its views and fun-to-drive winding road.

Submitted By

J-F Trépanier

Photo Source

Visit California, Booking.Com, Mine Bike World

Important Note:

As indicated above, this scenic drive was submitted by an independent third party and has not been verified by Triple E Recreational Vehicles. Please do your own research on suitability, road conditions and road safety before attempting to drive this route.

Begin in Boonville, California with shopping, dining, and the notable microbrews of the Anderson Valley Brewing Company. Then take a short drive north to spend a night or two under the redwoods in Hendy Woods State Park. After hiking the old groves, pack up and head north on CA 128 to explore the bounty of the Anderson Valley. After your fill of farm side stops and wine tasting, continue north on CA 128 as it winds along the Navarro River. There are many large shoulder areas where you can stop for an impromptu lunch among the giants. This drive concludes at the west coast, but the scenery does not! Head north up the coast on Highway 1 to lovely Mendocino or south to other wonderful coastal towns.

Scenic Drive Tips

Along with Hendy Woods State Park, another great camping spot is Van Damme State Park in Mendocino, a little further north. Both are great parks, perfectly sized for LTVs!

Submitted By

Dave Gebow

Photo Source

Redwood Hikes, Joyrides of America, Culture Trip

Important Note:

As indicated above, this scenic drive was submitted by an independent third party and has not been verified by Triple E Recreational Vehicles. Please do your own research on suitability, road conditions and road safety before attempting to drive this route.

If you are in the vicinity of San Diego, and like mountains and valleys in sparsely populated areas, this can be an easy and stunning drive on 2-lane blacktop roads weaving and winding upward until you are around 4,000 feet above sea level. The drive begins in Jamul, which is in east San Diego County about 35-40 minutes from downtown San Diego. Head to Lyons Valley Road and follow it to Japatul Valley Road, or choose to check out other smaller canyon drives off of both Lyons Valley and Lawson Valley Roads. If it's a clear day with no rain or fog, the views can be highly enjoyable whether the sun is shining or not. The route ends right at I-8, making the drive back to San Diego or east to Arizona an easy one.

Scenic Drive Tips

There are a myriad of places with spectacular views of the valleys below. It's not a heavily traveled tourist area so there are no rest stops, viewing points, cafes, or gas stations. But being that this is a relatively short drive, there should be no worries about needing fuel or supplies, especially in your LTV. If you like to hike, check out Lawson Peak Trail.

Submitted By

Randy Spencer

Photo Source

Randy Spencer, Modern Hiker

Important Note:

As indicated above, this scenic drive was submitted by an independent third party and has not been verified by Triple E Recreational Vehicles. Please do your own research on suitability, road conditions and road safety before attempting to drive this route.